What is Better; Memory Foam or Spring Mattress?

When it comes to investing in a mattress, the amount of choice on offer can feel overwhelming. A good quality mattress should last the distance, so it’s important to find your perfect night time companion to achieve a great night’s sleep every day of the week.

To help make your decision easier, we’ve gathered all the information from our many years of expertise to conclude, once and for all, what is better; memory foam or spring mattresses.

What is Memory Foam?

Before we get stuck in, let’s be clear on what we’re actually talking about. First up; memory foam.

Memory foam is a very dense foam that softens in contact with body heat. This allows it to mould to the contours of the body, while the elasticity of the foam allows it to spring back into shape when you get up in the morning to start your day.

What is a Spring Mattress?

A spring mattress, commonly known as an open coil mattress, is made up of interconnected metal springs covered by a layer of padding.

What About Pocket Spring?

The difference between a traditional coil mattress and a pocket sprung mattress is that the latter is made up of individual springs contained in their own pockets. This allows each to move individually for more personalized support.

Now to get down to which is best;

Best for Support and Comfort

In terms of comfort and support, a lot of it comes down to personal preference.

A spring or coil mattress offers firmer support, with a springy feel. However, if you tend to sleep in one position throughout the night, you could find a spring mattress uncomfortable on your pressure points.

Memory foam, on the other hand, moulds to the shape of your body and spreads your body weight evenly. This specialised support can feel more comfortable and softer on the hips and spine.

Best for Sharing a Bed

Sharing a bed with a partner can result in all sorts of sleeping issues. From snoring to conflicting bedtime schedules, navigating sleep together can require careful planning.

Before you give up and head to the sofa, a memory foam mattress could solve some of your problems. Excellent movement absorption means that those with restless sleeping partners can get a peaceful, undisturbed night’s sleep.

One issue with spring mattresses is that they can get squeaky over time. Not ideal if your partner tosses and turns in the night!

Best for Long-Lasting Comfort

One of the main concerns customers have when buying a mattress is how long it will last.

When comparing the durability of spring and memory foam, it’s a no brainer. While spring mattresses can start to develop dips and sagging after just a few years of use, a quality memory foam mattress can last up to 15 years!

Best for Joint Pain

For those of you suffering with joint pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, your choice of mattress could make all the difference between waking up refreshed or in pain.

Thanks to the individualised support memory foam brings, sufferers of joint pain can rest easy. Hips, shoulders and ankles are cushioned, spines are fully supported, and your weight is spread evenly.

Thick springs have less give and can cause discomfort around pressure points, so coil mattresses are best avoided for those with sensitive joints.

Best for Regulating Body Temperature

Due to the heat retaining properties of some memory foam, it has been known to get hot during the night. Despite this reputation, modern memory foam has come a long way, with air pockets within the foam helping to circulate air flow and cool things down.

Our range of Coolmax mattresses, for example, come with a removable cover made with breathable, hypoallergenic fibres to reduce heat and moisture build-up. While the 4G Aircool range features an innovative design with an open cell structure to allow air flow for a cool night’s slumber.

Best for Allergies

The springs within an open coil mattress are a breeding ground for dust mites and bed bugs. These compact spaces are difficult to clean and a nightmare for those with allergies or asthma.

Hypoallergenic memory foam provides a welcome relief for allergy sufferers. The high density makes it difficult for dust to enter, resulting in a restful night.

The Best Mattress for Getting a Great Night’s Sleep

Across the board, memory foam comes out on top as the best for overall comfort, support and durability.

If you’re looking for a mattress with individualised support and hypoallergenic properties, memory foam is for you. Or, for a breathable night’s sleep, a pocket sprung mattress combines the benefits of both into one, high-performing mattress.

Why Choose Memory Foam Warehouse?

As one of the longest established online mattress retailers, we’ve spent years perfecting our broad range of mattresses to ensure we have something for everyone, regardless of budget, style or specialist requirements.